** A Window Conservatory [103]

During the winter months, where house plants are kept in the home, it is always a question how to arrange them so they can get the necessary light without occupying too much room.

The sketch shows how a neat window conservatory may be made at small cost that can be fastened on the house just covering a window, which will provide a fine place for the plants.  The frame (Fig. 2) is made of about 2 by 2-in. material framed together as shown in Fig. 3.  This frame should be made with the three openings of such a size that a four-paned sash, such as used for a storm window, will fit nicely in them.  If the four vertical pieces that are shown in Fig. 2 are dressed to the right angle, then it will be easy to put on the finishing corner boards that hold the sash.

[Illustration:  Artistic Window Boxes]

The top, as well as the bottom, is constructed with two small pieces like the rafters, on which is nailed the sheathing boards and then the shingles on top and the finishing boards on the bottom.

** How to Make an Electroscope [103]

An electroscope for detecting electrified bodies may be made out of a piece of note paper, a cork and a needle.  Push the needle into the cork, and cut the paper in the shape of a small arrow.  Balance the arrow on the needle

[Illustration:  Simple Electroscope]

as shown in the sketch, and the instrument will then be complete.  If a piece of paper is then heated over a lamp or stove and rubbed with a piece of cloth or a small broom, the arrow will turn when the paper is brought near it.  —­Contributed by Wm. W. Grant, Halifax, N. S., Canada.

** Miniature Electric Lighting [104]

Producing electric light by means of small bulbs that give from one-half to six candle power, and a suitable source of power, is something that will interest the average American boy.

These circular bulbs range from 1/4 to 2 in. in diameter, and cost 27 cents

[Illustration:  Fig. 1]

each complete with base.  They are commonly known as miniature battery bulbs, since a battery is the most popular source of power.  The 1/2-cp. bulbs are usually 2-1/2 volts and take 1/4 ampere of current.  It requires about three medium dry cells to operate it.  However, there is now upon the market a battery consisting of 3 small dry cells connected in series, put up in a neat case with 2 binding posts, which sells for 25 cents.  This is more economical than dry cells, as it gives about 4 volts and 3 amperes.  It will run as large a lamp a 3-1/2 volts, 1 cp., for some time very satisfactorily.  More than one lamp can be run by connecting the bulbs in parallel, as indicated by Fig. 1, which shows the special battery with 3 dry cells in the case, and the 2 binding posts for connection with the bulbs.  In this case it is also advisable to connect several batteries in parallel also, so as to increase the current, but